Construction workers, Santa deliver smiles to children at hospital

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - Some patients at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg got a very special delivery Thursday. Operating a 195-foot tall crane, Santa Claus dropped in a sleigh containing over 1,200 toys to a hospital patio.

The toys were gathered by a Skanska construction crew that is building the facility's new research and education center right across from the infusion center where children get their treatment.

"The guys all feel extremely privileged and are very proud to be working on this building, so when we get the opportunity to do something like this, to give back a little and make some kids smile, it's a great day for us," says project superintendent Todd Collier.

Many members of the Skanska crew dressed as elves to receive the heavy load and distribute the toys to patients who were able to come out and watch. They even delivered some presents to kids in the hospital's infusion center, where children are connected to equipment and unable to go outside.

Since Skanska broke ground on the project, the construction team has been hosting activities and building a bond with the kids.

Lizzie, who just had spinal surgery this week, was able to come out and watch the delivery. "It was really cool, and I really liked how Santa Claus worked the crane and how Rudolph was the one flying the sleigh," she said.

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The research center will not be completed until mid-2018. Until then, the construction crew looks forward to continuing their close relationship with their little friends across the street.